Our philosophy is “Sharing is Caring”. So we have a very caring nurturing environment on the group, which offers wonderful support.
This blog compliments our Facebook page Aspergers Connect http://www.facebook.com/groups/ConnectAspergers/.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Learning how to solve problems in mathematics is knowing what to look for. Math problems often require established procedures and knowing what and when to apply them. To ident...ify procedures, you have to be familiar with the problem situation and be able to collect the appropriate information, identify a strategy or strategies and use the strategy appropriately. Problem solving requires practice! The more your practice, the better you get. Practice, practice, practice.

Problem Solving Plan in 4 Steps:

1. Clues: • Read the problem carefully. • Underline clue words. • Ask yourself if you've seen a problem similar to this one. If so, what is similar about it? • What did you need to do? • What facts are you given? • What do you need to find out?

2. Game Plan: • Define your game plan. • Have you seen a problem like this before? • Identify what you did. • Define your strategies to solve this problem. • Try out your strategies. (Using formulas, simplifying, use sketches, guess and check, look for a pattern, etc.) • If your strategy doesn't work, it may lead you to an 'aha' moment and to a strategy that does work.

3. Solve: • Use your strategies to solve the problem

4. Reflect: • This part is critical. Look over your solution. • Does it seem probable? • Did you answer the question? • Are you sure? • Did you answer using the language in the question? • Same units?

Clue Words: When deciding on methods or procedures to use to solve problems, the first thing you will do is look for clues which are one of the most important skills in solving problems in mathematics. If you begin to solve problems by looking for clue words, you will find that these 'words' often indicate an operation.

For instance:-

Clue Words for Addition • sum • total • in all • perimeter

Clue Words for Subtraction • difference • how much more • exceed

Clue Words for Multiplication • product • total • area • times

Clue Words for Division • share • distribute • quotient • average

Although clue words vary a bit, you'll find that there will be consistency with them to guide you to the correct operation

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Various Funding to support Children with Special Needs The Helping Children With Autism Package Major features: $12,000 of funding support for early intervention at approproved providers (maximum of $6000 per fiscal year), which can be accessed up until a child with ASD turns 7. Important to note that the child must be approved for the program before turning 6. Link: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pr...es/default.aspx

The Better Outcome for Mental Health (BOMH) plan, which includes the "Access To Allied Psychological Services" Major features: Can be set up by your GP, with up to 12 sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional claimable under Medicare (we use ours to help cover DD's social group therapy). I don't fully get this program, so I would welcome any additional input from other families using it. Link: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/pub...al-boimhc-ataps

Adam Scott Foundation Autism Grants Program has been designed to provide young people living with autism, the access to Apple iPads and their innovative Autism specialised applications. In these early stages, Apple iPads are already proving to be useful tools for children with Autism to improve communication skills. The Adam Scott Foundation Autism Grants Program is available to young people, aged 6-16 as of 16 November 2010, with an Autism Diagnosis across Australia. To be eligible you must be a permanent Australian resident. More info: http://www.autismqld.com.au/index.php?page_id=310

ABA Therapy As A Deductible Medical Expense[u][/u]
I found my snippet on declaring ABA as a deductible medical expense. Here are two past private rulings by the Australian Tax Office that declate them as such:

In-home Childcare can be used by families with kids with disabilities. It still costs more than regular childcare.

http://www.mychild.gov.au/childcareoptions.htm#inhome
Enhanced Primary Care - Medicare
GP has to create a EPC plan and you get 5 x OT, speech, pysio, psychologist (5 is total but can be spread over them) if you are seeing at least 2 x allied health providers. It's per calander year and max $48.95 each.

The group is an informal way to meet other parents and carers of those
with loved ones on the spectrum and also to meet other toddlers, teens
and adults with ASD. Share stories, enjoy a coffee in an atmosphere
where you can relax and feel welcome. Children are also welcome.

Meet others who just "get" you! This is a social network for young
adults with Asperger's Syndrome/Autism (18-35 year olds)> Come along
for a drink/meal and a chat and let us know what type of social
activities you're looking for.

Here is a wonderful
opportunity for 8 to 12 year old neurotypical siblings of an individual
on the autism spectrum to take part in an 8 week group program aimed at
assisting them to better understand their sibling on the spectrum. This
FREE program conducted at Griffith
University, Mount Gravatt campus, assists children to enhance their own
personal coping, to help their sibling, but also to let go of taking
personal responsibility for problems outside their control. This is a
group full of useful information, practical learning, and fun. To
register your interest and find out more about this opportunity please
email Emilita Cornain on emilita.cornain@yahoo.com.